Echoes of Legacy

"Shattered Illusions and Unwelcome Rescues"

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The airship, vast and imposing, moved smoothly through the sky. Inside, the surgery room was a high-tech sanctuary, with an enormous liquid vessel occupying the center. Jack, wearing simple baggy clothes and still groggy from sleep, was in the process of awakening Mayumi, who floated unconscious inside the vessel. After an hour, the vessel's lid opened, and Mayumi was gently lifted out, her past memories restored.

In the living room, Mayumi, now disoriented and distressed, struggled with the guards. Her movements were swift and deadly, leaving several guards incapacitated in her wake. Kevin and Ted watched from a distance, their expressions a mix of admiration and intrigue.

Jack, finally fully awake and alert, walked in. He saw Mayumi's rage and swiftly intervened, delivering a single punch to her stomach that sent her crashing onto the sofa. His action was met with approving applause from Kevin.

"That's my son," Kevin said proudly. "Just like me."

Ted, standing beside Kevin, muttered under his breath, "That's why I hate him too."

Kevin's sharp hearing caught the comment. He turned his gaze to Ted, a question in his eyes. Before Ted could react, he hurriedly moved to Mayumi's side, sitting beside her on the sofa.

Mayumi's tears flowed freely as she sobbed uncontrollably, struggling to understand her new reality. Jack, irritated by her noise, shouted for silence and activated the digital communication panel on the wall.

"Joseph," Jack's voice was firm. "We have Mayumi here. She's been successfully revived with her memories restored."

Joseph appeared on the screen. "Mayumi, this is Jack. He's the one who saved you. You need to show him respect. The boy next to him is Ted. You can be friends with him."

Mayumi's sobs grew louder as she desperately tried to explain her discomfort and confusion, but Joseph was clearly uninterested in her pleas. Her frustration boiled over, and she shouted at the screen before abruptly ending the call. She slumped to the floor, curled up like a child, her cries echoing through the room.

Kevin's disappointment was palpable as he watched the scene unfold. Sensing Kevin's rising anger, Jack signaled Ted to take Kevin away from the situation. Ted complied, leading Kevin to another part of the airship to diffuse the tension.

Jack approached Mayumi, whose cries had subsided into quiet sobs. He gently lifted her from the floor and draped his arm around her shoulders. "Calm down, Mayumi," he said softly. "I can be... friends with you, right? Tell me what's uncomfortable, and I'll do my best to help you."

Mayumi looked up at Jack, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Feeling a mixture of relief and exhaustion, she embraced him, resting her head on his shoulder. Jack patted her back reassuringly as she drifted off to sleep, her breathing eventually evening out.

Rimmy, who had been observing from a distance, couldn't help but tease Jack. "Looks like you've fallen for her, Jack."

Jack shot Rimmy a playful but tired glance. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm just doing what's necessary."

As Mayumi slept peacefully against Jack's shoulder, the airship continued its journey, leaving behind a trail of unresolved tensions and shifting alliances.

---

Jack, now dressed in formal attire, approached his father's quarters with a serious expression. The opulent room, adorned with rich fabrics and elaborate decor, seemed almost stifling in its grandeur. Kevin sat behind an imposing desk, his demeanor calm yet authoritative. Jack stepped in and, without preamble, asked, "Dad, what's my new mission?"